Free a Stuck Window

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-404 -- More Projects »
PHOTO
Home repair expert Henry Harrison helps a guest free a stuck kitchen window. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this project a two.

Tools:

window saw
putty knife
hammer
hacksaw blade
handheld vacuum
towels
safety glasses
household cleaner
bar soap

PHOTO

Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
Steps:

1. Put on safety glasses. Using a window saw, saw open the seams around the border of the window on both the inside and the outside (figure A). Be careful not to mar the paint on surrounding surfaces.

2. In areas where the saw can’t get in, carefully work a putty knife into the seam by tapping the back of it with a hammer (figure B).

3. Use a hacksaw to cut through any nails you may find.

4. Once the window is open, clean up any debris in the frame with a handheld vacuum so the window doesn't bind.

5. Rub a bar of soap along the tracks for the window (figure C). The soap acts as a lubricant and unlike oil will not attract dust.

6. Clean around the area using household cleaner.